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Priceless: She's Worth Fighting For
The Priceless Movement has been part of the band For KING & COUNTRY from the beginning, reminding women of their worth and encouraging men to respect and honor them. This novelization of the major motion picture Priceless, created by brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, tells the story of James Stevenson (played by Joel), a man thrown into the dark world of human trafficking. Can the love, strength, and faith of a woman change the course of his future? Will he risk his life to rescue her and show how much she's worth fighting for?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2016
62 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
About the author
Joel Smallbone
2 books46 followersBrothers Joel and Luke Smallbone headline the Grammy Award-winning band For KING & COUNTRY. After their family relocated to Nashville from Sydney, Australia, in 1991, their father worked as a music promoter, so the boys often accompanied him to shows. In their teenage years they sang background vocals for their sister, gospel artist Rebecca St. James. In 2011 they released For KING & COUNTRY: The EP , and in 2012, they released their first full-length album, Crave, and won New Artist of the Year at the 2013 GMA Dove Awards. Their sophomore album, Run Wild, Live Free, Love Strong, met and even exceeded expectations with notable sales, sold-out shows, GRAMMY Awards, multiple K-LOVE fan awards, and appearances on major television shows such as Fox & Friends, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Huckabee, and others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
May 1, 2024
4.5\5 ★
𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴:
"(Priceless~for KING + COUNTRY)"
01:38━━━━●─── 03.28
◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ
🎧plot;🎧
I couldn't stop reading! I was super intrigued and this book was a page turner, let me tell you that! I literally was sad that I had to put this down to read for school, but I persisted <3 there were no plot holes that I can think of! I had no idea how it would end {besides a happy ending lmbo} so 100+ for unpredictability! {More on TWs and details in the plot below} I love the Christianity and faith that is shown from characters throughout this book!
☕️characters;☕️
these characters were so well developed! I couldn't help but feel AWFUL for James {if you read it, you will know} and I loved Antonia and Maria!! Antonia is the older sister I never had but always wanted, and Maria is a literal Swiftie, so 10\10 in my book!! I literally felt sick when Garo and C.J. were on the page, but that was that was the whole point. I personally LOVED James {some parts I wasn't a fan, but he is a troubled man, so I'll let it slide} but that might be because in the movie he is played by Joel and, well, its Joel, so I might have been kicking my feet and squealing for no reason 🤭🤭🤭
📖writing;📖
okay ya'll so the writing was not awful! I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was written. There were some parts where I was just like; "oof...did they have to write it like that?" such as uses of "Dude" and so on and so forth, BUT I actually respect it cause it made the whole book seem more real life, since these awful events happen in everyday life.
There were also many parts where the writing was sooo good, like, where I got chills...
🗝other stuff;🗝 {minor spoilers ahead. TW}
I would definitely rec this to anyone who is a fk&c fan, Christian {or not}, and anyone over the age of 14. There are many mentions of sex because this is about sex trafficking. There are very very disgusting and deep topics in here that sometimes I didn't even want to read about, but it is always very good to be aware these awful things. There were minor jokes between characters {in love or not} and mentions of sexual content and even r*pe. NONE of it went into detail {thank God} but still very disgusting. Joel and Luke did a great job at capturing the grossness of these topics. NO HATE to the book or writers because they did their job. Definitely don't read if you are under 13, it is just too heavy.
🏹overall;🏹
Overall this book was amazing, and I'm very very excited to watch the film!! {for more reasons than none 🤭😍} 4.5 stars for writing, characters, plot, etc! I love the song Priceless and for KING+ COUNRTY's Priceless movement. Those two are amazing inside and out, and ALL my respect goes to them, and their beliefs.
Tysm for reading this review! <33
~Mollie Anneliese
𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴:
"(Priceless~for KING + COUNTRY)"
01:38━━━━●─── 03.28
◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ
🎧plot;🎧
I couldn't stop reading! I was super intrigued and this book was a page turner, let me tell you that! I literally was sad that I had to put this down to read for school, but I persisted <3 there were no plot holes that I can think of! I had no idea how it would end {besides a happy ending lmbo} so 100+ for unpredictability! {More on TWs and details in the plot below} I love the Christianity and faith that is shown from characters throughout this book!
☕️characters;☕️
these characters were so well developed! I couldn't help but feel AWFUL for James {if you read it, you will know} and I loved Antonia and Maria!! Antonia is the older sister I never had but always wanted, and Maria is a literal Swiftie, so 10\10 in my book!! I literally felt sick when Garo and C.J. were on the page, but that was that was the whole point. I personally LOVED James {some parts I wasn't a fan, but he is a troubled man, so I'll let it slide} but that might be because in the movie he is played by Joel and, well, its Joel, so I might have been kicking my feet and squealing for no reason 🤭🤭🤭
📖writing;📖
okay ya'll so the writing was not awful! I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was written. There were some parts where I was just like; "oof...did they have to write it like that?" such as uses of "Dude" and so on and so forth, BUT I actually respect it cause it made the whole book seem more real life, since these awful events happen in everyday life.
There were also many parts where the writing was sooo good, like, where I got chills...
🗝other stuff;🗝 {minor spoilers ahead. TW}
I would definitely rec this to anyone who is a fk&c fan, Christian {or not}, and anyone over the age of 14. There are many mentions of sex because this is about sex trafficking. There are very very disgusting and deep topics in here that sometimes I didn't even want to read about, but it is always very good to be aware these awful things. There were minor jokes between characters {in love or not} and mentions of sexual content and even r*pe. NONE of it went into detail {thank God} but still very disgusting. Joel and Luke did a great job at capturing the grossness of these topics. NO HATE to the book or writers because they did their job. Definitely don't read if you are under 13, it is just too heavy.
🏹overall;🏹
Overall this book was amazing, and I'm very very excited to watch the film!! {for more reasons than none 🤭😍} 4.5 stars for writing, characters, plot, etc! I love the song Priceless and for KING+ COUNRTY's Priceless movement. Those two are amazing inside and out, and ALL my respect goes to them, and their beliefs.
Tysm for reading this review! <33
~Mollie Anneliese
March 25, 2024
4⭐️
A recently single father finds himself desperate to hold onto custody of his daughter and needing a quick payday accepts a suspicious job to drive a truck carrying unknown cargo. James’ world is flipped upside down when he learns out what the cargo is and finds himself in a world of hurt.
———
Overall, it was a good book-though I did find the ‘romance’ fairly unbelievable….other than the ‘saviour effect’, I found the likelihood that a girl in that position would genuinely fall in love in a situation like this and with this particular man far fetched
Language: 1 abuse of God’s name, 2 h, 1 pi
CW: this is a book about sex trafficking, so related content is discussed-though not too graphically
A recently single father finds himself desperate to hold onto custody of his daughter and needing a quick payday accepts a suspicious job to drive a truck carrying unknown cargo. James’ world is flipped upside down when he learns out what the cargo is and finds himself in a world of hurt.
———
Overall, it was a good book-though I did find the ‘romance’ fairly unbelievable….other than the ‘saviour effect’, I found the likelihood that a girl in that position would genuinely fall in love in a situation like this and with this particular man far fetched
Language: 1 abuse of God’s name, 2 h, 1 pi
CW: this is a book about sex trafficking, so related content is discussed-though not too graphically
October 15, 2016
This book was amazing. Joel and Luke have an amazing heart with an amazing message to spread: how every single one of us is priceless.
This book follows the story of James, who hits rock bottom when his wife dies and he loses custody of his daughter. He agrees to drive a truck to Nevada with no questions asked about what he's carrying.
But what he is carrying will change his life forever.
This book deals with the issue of human trafficking and prostitution as something that is very real. That being said, I would recommend this book for 15+ because of such a mature setting.
This book follows the story of James, who hits rock bottom when his wife dies and he loses custody of his daughter. He agrees to drive a truck to Nevada with no questions asked about what he's carrying.
But what he is carrying will change his life forever.
This book deals with the issue of human trafficking and prostitution as something that is very real. That being said, I would recommend this book for 15+ because of such a mature setting.
September 9, 2016
This is a hard-hitting story with several realistic, horrifying themes. My heart broke for the young women and the disgusting things they were forced into just to survive. James had his own struggles and demons, and it was heartwarming to see him grow and mature as the story progressed.
The major theme of this story is how women should be valued by men. James shows us how that should be done, with the women he discovers in the truck as well as with the daughter with whom he is trying to rebuild a relationship.
I was quickly drawn into this story, and couldn't put it down once I started. I finished reading it in one day. I was just that anxious to find out how it was all going to play out! I am recommending this book to all my family and friends, and I am looking forward to seeing the movie as well.
**I received a copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
The major theme of this story is how women should be valued by men. James shows us how that should be done, with the women he discovers in the truck as well as with the daughter with whom he is trying to rebuild a relationship.
I was quickly drawn into this story, and couldn't put it down once I started. I finished reading it in one day. I was just that anxious to find out how it was all going to play out! I am recommending this book to all my family and friends, and I am looking forward to seeing the movie as well.
**I received a copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
April 26, 2017
Excellent book! I really enjoyed it, and am now looking forward to seeing the movie. I love For King and Country, and their book didn't disappoint.
Beautiful message - we're all priceless - and well-written. Very good!
Beautiful message - we're all priceless - and well-written. Very good!
May 11, 2024
So heartbreaking but so beautiful 😢😢❤️ highly recommend!! Just as good as the movie🥹
January 3, 2024
Trigger warning: human sex trafficking
April 28, 2020
for King and Country wrote a book... and it was good, slow to start (well after that main disaster because that happened right away) but it picked up and was good.
Priceless ⭐️
James life is falling apart. After the tragic death of his wife he is left alone to take care of his daughter. Which leads him into some shady business which winds him up in jail. But when he gets out he no longer has sole custody of his daughter and his mother is taking care of her. His mother wants her granddaughter to have the best most stable life so she wants James to get his life on track before he sees her before he thinks he has the responsibility to take care of her again. He plans to take this seriously he wants his daughter back but he also needs money to do that which leads him to some shady work which he is not so proud of but he helps discover a human trafficking rink due to his poor judgment which betters his life and his soul.
This book is really easy to read. Simply written and fast paced.
PricelessBook Club Discussion Questions
what did you think of the book?
What were parts of the story you liked and didnt like?
I liked the ending. It wasnt just a happy ending they continue to fight for others freedom.
I didnt like that Antiona was raped but it was realistic.
As James life started to fall apart did you expect him to grow or continue to fail?
What did you think about the sisters relationship with James?
What did you think of the topic of human trafficking?
Were you familiar with human trafficking before this?
Have you ever read a book on human trafficking?
Where did you find god in this book?
Priceless ⭐️
James life is falling apart. After the tragic death of his wife he is left alone to take care of his daughter. Which leads him into some shady business which winds him up in jail. But when he gets out he no longer has sole custody of his daughter and his mother is taking care of her. His mother wants her granddaughter to have the best most stable life so she wants James to get his life on track before he sees her before he thinks he has the responsibility to take care of her again. He plans to take this seriously he wants his daughter back but he also needs money to do that which leads him to some shady work which he is not so proud of but he helps discover a human trafficking rink due to his poor judgment which betters his life and his soul.
This book is really easy to read. Simply written and fast paced.
PricelessBook Club Discussion Questions
what did you think of the book?
What were parts of the story you liked and didnt like?
I liked the ending. It wasnt just a happy ending they continue to fight for others freedom.
I didnt like that Antiona was raped but it was realistic.
As James life started to fall apart did you expect him to grow or continue to fail?
What did you think about the sisters relationship with James?
What did you think of the topic of human trafficking?
Were you familiar with human trafficking before this?
Have you ever read a book on human trafficking?
Where did you find god in this book?
October 4, 2016
Priceless by Joel & Luke Smallbone is a book with a very powerful message. This story will surly tug at your heartstrings. A story that is full of love, hope, heartache, pain, confusion and faith. They do such an excellent job bringing this story to life. This story touches on a subject that doesn’t get the attention that is should human trafficking. It is happening all around. This is an emotionally gripping story that will capture you right from the start. Be sure to order your copy of Priceless today. 4.5 stars!
July 1, 2016
As reviewed on Fiction 411:
Priceless, by Joel and Luke Smallbone, is a very good read. A story written to bring attention to the human trafficking, a problem in the United States that is sensitive by nature. The Smallbones take you into the trenches, fictionally, and show how the underbelly of this system works. Without being graphic or crude they take you on the journey of Antonio and Maria, two young women who unknowingly fall into this system and become trapped. It tells how James, an American trying to rebuild his life after a devastating crisis, also gets caught up in the system without knowing what he is involved in until too late. Antonio’s faith gives her strength to survive and fight back. James becomes a reluctant hero who, once committed, is intent on seeing it through to the end even when fighting the faith his wife lived by. The good intentions of these characters make sense though their choices of direction are ill-thought out. They remind me of people I know.
The story moves very fast and there is a lot of action packed into these 273 pages but, even with that, most of the characters are relatable and drew me into the uncomfortable scenario. Some of the peripheral characters need a bit more fleshing out so that the emotional connection to them is stronger. One in particular I would have liked to connect to more is Dale. Though a minor character his role is pivotal to James’ actions and the outcome to the story. With that said, I appreciated his character very much. The ‘bad guys’ were well written without being graphically evil. And finally, I felt the ending was very sensitively and realistically done. Though it would be great to change the world for the better it sometimes must be enough to change the world one person at a time, as Priceless shows us.
The more we know of this evil, that has stayed hidden for so long, the more likely it can be uprooted from our society. Thank you Joel and Luke Smallbone for your book that lets people like me become aware of this problem without making us judgmental of those trapped in the problem.
Priceless, by Joel and Luke Smallbone, is a very good read. A story written to bring attention to the human trafficking, a problem in the United States that is sensitive by nature. The Smallbones take you into the trenches, fictionally, and show how the underbelly of this system works. Without being graphic or crude they take you on the journey of Antonio and Maria, two young women who unknowingly fall into this system and become trapped. It tells how James, an American trying to rebuild his life after a devastating crisis, also gets caught up in the system without knowing what he is involved in until too late. Antonio’s faith gives her strength to survive and fight back. James becomes a reluctant hero who, once committed, is intent on seeing it through to the end even when fighting the faith his wife lived by. The good intentions of these characters make sense though their choices of direction are ill-thought out. They remind me of people I know.
The story moves very fast and there is a lot of action packed into these 273 pages but, even with that, most of the characters are relatable and drew me into the uncomfortable scenario. Some of the peripheral characters need a bit more fleshing out so that the emotional connection to them is stronger. One in particular I would have liked to connect to more is Dale. Though a minor character his role is pivotal to James’ actions and the outcome to the story. With that said, I appreciated his character very much. The ‘bad guys’ were well written without being graphically evil. And finally, I felt the ending was very sensitively and realistically done. Though it would be great to change the world for the better it sometimes must be enough to change the world one person at a time, as Priceless shows us.
The more we know of this evil, that has stayed hidden for so long, the more likely it can be uprooted from our society. Thank you Joel and Luke Smallbone for your book that lets people like me become aware of this problem without making us judgmental of those trapped in the problem.
September 8, 2016
To be honest, this book was saved by the events in the second half of the book. I thought that "Priceless" started out at a painfully slow pace. It wasn't until I was about 100 pages into the book before it grabbed my attention and interest. Joel and Luke Smallbone (front men for the Christian band 'For King and Country') tackle a very difficult subject of human trafficking and exploitation of young women. It's the story of two young sisters from Mexico who were sold into the trafficking business to settle the debts of their father. And its the story of a young man who transported them to Reno, Nevada and eventually became their hopeful rescuer. I'll leave the rest of the plot to you to read and digest.
Like I said, around page 100, the story picks up speed and the book, that I earlier considered putting down, became nearly impossible to put down for even a moment. The subject matter made this book very compelling, and challenging to consider the size and scope of such a demonic business. Living in the Southern Bible, the subject of human trafficking is not something I've ever been forced to understand. But now, I realize the possibility that it may even be happening in my own back yard.
The underlying theme is how men should value women. Hence, the title "PRICELESS". And that valuation is clearly present in the eyes and heart of the male protagonist, James Stevens. Stevens is trying to overcome a difficult and tragic past in order to be re-united with his daughter. And he shows the reader how its done.
Despite the very slow beginning, I urge the reader to keep on reading, and you will be given a very satisfying conclusion. I, therefore, award this book four (4) stars, as a good and worthwhile read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher (Worthy Publishing) in exchange for an honest and timely review. I have no other associations with the publisher or authors. This review is being posted on Amazon.com, Goodreads.com, my blog jonreviewsbooks1.wordpress.com, and Twitter.
Happy reading!
Like I said, around page 100, the story picks up speed and the book, that I earlier considered putting down, became nearly impossible to put down for even a moment. The subject matter made this book very compelling, and challenging to consider the size and scope of such a demonic business. Living in the Southern Bible, the subject of human trafficking is not something I've ever been forced to understand. But now, I realize the possibility that it may even be happening in my own back yard.
The underlying theme is how men should value women. Hence, the title "PRICELESS". And that valuation is clearly present in the eyes and heart of the male protagonist, James Stevens. Stevens is trying to overcome a difficult and tragic past in order to be re-united with his daughter. And he shows the reader how its done.
Despite the very slow beginning, I urge the reader to keep on reading, and you will be given a very satisfying conclusion. I, therefore, award this book four (4) stars, as a good and worthwhile read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher (Worthy Publishing) in exchange for an honest and timely review. I have no other associations with the publisher or authors. This review is being posted on Amazon.com, Goodreads.com, my blog jonreviewsbooks1.wordpress.com, and Twitter.
Happy reading!
October 14, 2019
This book was a more detailed account of the movie, which made it very good. It was well written and the story line was one of redemption, hope, and love. The theme that women are priceless and should be held to that standard was evident.
As much as I loved reading the book, there were quite a few things that caused me to be disappointed in it. Good writing is the ability to show the crudeness and the vulgarity without resorting to actually using the words in a book, especially a book that is labeled as "Christian".
I never cared for the word "hell" to be used out of context. Unfortunately, toward the end of the book this was used a bit. And I loath the word "p***ed" when someone uses it to describe anger. It is really one the words that will keep me from ever reading another book by the author. It's vulgar.
I know some do not mind those words, but there are many of us where those words are not natural and we do not like them in our stories. If this was a mainstream, general market book, I wouldn't bat an eye. But this is a Christian book by Christian artists and a Christian author, so I held this book to a higher standard. The mild modern slang of "freakin'" and "crap" is something I could let slide, although it did seem uncalled for. From the mouth of a teenager: those words get stuck in my head and I cannot get them out. Then when I get angry, I may use it without realizing it because the word was in my brain, and then I'm grounded. So I stay away from those words when I can.
Those things I listed above marred an otherwise beautiful story and one that is beyond compare.
Would I suggest this book to a person? A mature Christian, yes. A teenager? No. A newer Christian? Maybe, depending on the person.
A good book, with a great story, and a beautiful theme...I did enjoy it.
As much as I loved reading the book, there were quite a few things that caused me to be disappointed in it. Good writing is the ability to show the crudeness and the vulgarity without resorting to actually using the words in a book, especially a book that is labeled as "Christian".
I never cared for the word "hell" to be used out of context. Unfortunately, toward the end of the book this was used a bit. And I loath the word "p***ed" when someone uses it to describe anger. It is really one the words that will keep me from ever reading another book by the author. It's vulgar.
I know some do not mind those words, but there are many of us where those words are not natural and we do not like them in our stories. If this was a mainstream, general market book, I wouldn't bat an eye. But this is a Christian book by Christian artists and a Christian author, so I held this book to a higher standard. The mild modern slang of "freakin'" and "crap" is something I could let slide, although it did seem uncalled for. From the mouth of a teenager: those words get stuck in my head and I cannot get them out. Then when I get angry, I may use it without realizing it because the word was in my brain, and then I'm grounded. So I stay away from those words when I can.
Those things I listed above marred an otherwise beautiful story and one that is beyond compare.
Would I suggest this book to a person? A mature Christian, yes. A teenager? No. A newer Christian? Maybe, depending on the person.
A good book, with a great story, and a beautiful theme...I did enjoy it.
September 10, 2016
I really had no idea what to expect from this book. I hadn't heard anything about the movie or the novel until I received an email telling me about it. Now that I have read the book I have no desire to watch the movie, it is very depressing and heartbreaking. The whole idea of this story line and the selling of women is so important and so hard to face reality-this is really happening all around us. It made me so sad to read this book and the ending didn't really make me feel better. I don't want to give anything away but I felt like there was something missing. While the book doesn't have explicit details about the sex trade I would caution younger readers. This is a hard book to read and I wouldn't pick it up lightly. I think they did a good job in writing truth, I just hate the fact that it's something that exists.
Four stars.
"I received this book from Worthy Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."
October 14, 2016
Wow. Let me say wow. Blown away by the writing of this powerful book. Filled with passion and emotion, and running with important themes of self worth, respect, and honor throughout; this book tells the story of a lost man and a human/sex traffic ring. How one man had his life thrown upside down in the blink of an eye, and the series of mistakes he made that would make him come face to face with the brutal reality surrounding him. It then tells of the hard story of his last chance to make it right. Powerful message and themes. Great read, definitely recommend.
July 21, 2017
Loveeeeed this!
January 21, 2020
This is an amazing book of loss, love and redemption. It strives to get the message out that a woman is worth more than being a sex object. The only reason I didn’t rate it with a 5* is due to some questionable language that in my opinion doesn’t go along with it being classified as a Christian novel. Due to the plot of the book there is a lot of talk of sex which was necessary, although not really graphic. I enjoyed the message in the book and I loved the ending. However I would be hesitant to recommend it to my Christian friends even though it has a strong Christian message. And it can certainly be an eye opener regarding the human trafficking business. All in all a great book.
March 5, 2025
So I didn’t like how the book started, a bit too much Romance in the beginning, but like ya they were married so it’s ok, after the fist chapter his life just went downhill fast, his friend was a bad influence and he knew it but still followed him. Lots of action, I wouldn’t recommend for sensitive readers duo to the explaining of the traffickers and what they do. But ya that stuff happens. Anyways overall it was a good book, I like the ending the most where they go undercover and find girls and women and give them a way out of that life. And last but not least, he eventually went back to God.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2019
So this was my first piece of Christian fiction and from what I remember it ties exactly along with the movie.
I think both are really well done. The book gives a bit more of James's back story but aside from that, they seem to go hand in hand.
TW/CW: Prostitution/abuse/murder/violence/sexual assault
This story deals with girls who are sent into prostitution unaware of what lies ahead of them. It's not an easy read (or watch if you choose to go the movie route) but I thought it was well done. I listened to this on audiobook and the voices were kind of generic sounding so I don't know if it was a spectacular production but I still enjoyed it and it didn't take me out of the story.
I think both are really well done. The book gives a bit more of James's back story but aside from that, they seem to go hand in hand.
TW/CW: Prostitution/abuse/murder/violence/sexual assault
This story deals with girls who are sent into prostitution unaware of what lies ahead of them. It's not an easy read (or watch if you choose to go the movie route) but I thought it was well done. I listened to this on audiobook and the voices were kind of generic sounding so I don't know if it was a spectacular production but I still enjoyed it and it didn't take me out of the story.
March 21, 2025
This book was such a good read and, while I did really enjoy the movie, I think this is better. The book contains a lot more detail - especially about his wife's death. I loved how I could picture the movie as I was reading and I easily followed the storyline. Priceless was a great read!
April 26, 2018
What an amazing book! With God nothing is impossible!!!!
April 17, 2018
This novel was beautifully written, and highly emotional. I really enjoyed the written style.
Read
September 8, 2016Priceless is a book every Christian should read. While it definitely has the feel of a novelization — short on character development and long on visual descriptions — it portrays the very real, yet little discussed, epidemic of sex trafficking in the United States. This book was an eye-opener for me. Like main character James Stevens, I will never view a box truck or low-rent motel the same way again. Priceless plunges the reader into a world of desperation, hopelessness and despair. Lives are destroyed, innocence is trampled and the soul is damaged almost beyond repair all in the name of money and lust. But there is hope and redemption and justice through our Lord.
James Stevens is on a fast spiral downward following the death of his wife. With everything he holds dear lost, he takes on a job that promises to pay big, a promise he needs to get his life back on track. Yet there is no such thing as easy money, and James soon finds out that he is very much involved in sex trafficking. With little help, he is determined to free the women he let slip into slavery. The action is fast-paced, the world depicted is gritty and sordid, and the stakes are high as this novel reveals the ugliness of the underworld many choose to ignore and others dive into.
I wanted to read Priceless because my daughter is a therapist for a non-profit organization (Selah Freedom) that works to free women from sex-trafficking. I knew intellectually all about the issue, but Priceless was a revelation. The book is definitely not pretty, but it is real. Here are a couple of quotes that spoke to me:
. . . [sex trafficking is] a disease that was born of the flesh but ate away at the soul.
. . . the only cure was a heart transplant. For people to see in women the worth that couldn’t be measured.
When discussing this book with my daughter, I found that many of her clients lived a life very similar to that depicted in the book. That’s why I recommend it — it is for anyone who believes that God can defeat evil and change lives. Priceless shows just how He does it.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Worthy Publishing for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
James Stevens is on a fast spiral downward following the death of his wife. With everything he holds dear lost, he takes on a job that promises to pay big, a promise he needs to get his life back on track. Yet there is no such thing as easy money, and James soon finds out that he is very much involved in sex trafficking. With little help, he is determined to free the women he let slip into slavery. The action is fast-paced, the world depicted is gritty and sordid, and the stakes are high as this novel reveals the ugliness of the underworld many choose to ignore and others dive into.
I wanted to read Priceless because my daughter is a therapist for a non-profit organization (Selah Freedom) that works to free women from sex-trafficking. I knew intellectually all about the issue, but Priceless was a revelation. The book is definitely not pretty, but it is real. Here are a couple of quotes that spoke to me:
. . . [sex trafficking is] a disease that was born of the flesh but ate away at the soul.
. . . the only cure was a heart transplant. For people to see in women the worth that couldn’t be measured.
When discussing this book with my daughter, I found that many of her clients lived a life very similar to that depicted in the book. That’s why I recommend it — it is for anyone who believes that God can defeat evil and change lives. Priceless shows just how He does it.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Worthy Publishing for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
April 15, 2019
This book is truly amazing. Anyone who is mature enough should read this.
First off, I love For King & Country. They have the most amazing songs that are so deep and meaningful. I love the song, Priceless, but until recently, I did not know that the made a movie and wrote a book.
This book was definitely hard to read (or in my case, listening to an audio book). There were points in the book where I was literally shaking.
Human trafficking is often a hard subject to approach. I have read other Christian Fiction books that are about human trafficking, and yeah, I felt sad, but this book felt so much deeper and it just really hit me hard. I not only saddened me but also made me angry and just confused on how a human being can do these things to another person.
I have read a fair share of Christian Fiction books, but for whatever reason, this was a blow to the stomach. After reading this book, I love For King & Country more than ever. They're not sugar-coating anything and they are not afraid to approach hard topics.
I love the lessons in this book. It was amazing to see the change in James Stevens, the main character, who had been angry and desperate at the beginning of the book. It was also eye-opening to the fact that desperate people would do whatever it takes to get what they want. James Stevens was desperate and he made a HUGE mistake, but he changed. He was desperate for money and custody for his daughter, but he also became a better man.
It was disgusting, really, what this human traffickers do, but it was so eye-opening, it was worth all the tears shed while I was reading the book. Many people, like Antonia and Maria, have fallen prey for these human traffickers.
I am a sucker for romance, but this book was so much more than just a romance book. It was a lesson and an eye-opening story that, while is fictional, it based on real life situations.
This book is a really good book and I hope that whoever picks this book up, they really are opened to this whole new world of darkness, yes, but also hope, love, and faith.
This is probably the longest review I have written so far, but there is still so much more I want to say. It had felt like God was speaking to me in this book.
First off, I love For King & Country. They have the most amazing songs that are so deep and meaningful. I love the song, Priceless, but until recently, I did not know that the made a movie and wrote a book.
This book was definitely hard to read (or in my case, listening to an audio book). There were points in the book where I was literally shaking.
Human trafficking is often a hard subject to approach. I have read other Christian Fiction books that are about human trafficking, and yeah, I felt sad, but this book felt so much deeper and it just really hit me hard. I not only saddened me but also made me angry and just confused on how a human being can do these things to another person.
I have read a fair share of Christian Fiction books, but for whatever reason, this was a blow to the stomach. After reading this book, I love For King & Country more than ever. They're not sugar-coating anything and they are not afraid to approach hard topics.
I love the lessons in this book. It was amazing to see the change in James Stevens, the main character, who had been angry and desperate at the beginning of the book. It was also eye-opening to the fact that desperate people would do whatever it takes to get what they want. James Stevens was desperate and he made a HUGE mistake, but he changed. He was desperate for money and custody for his daughter, but he also became a better man.
It was disgusting, really, what this human traffickers do, but it was so eye-opening, it was worth all the tears shed while I was reading the book. Many people, like Antonia and Maria, have fallen prey for these human traffickers.
I am a sucker for romance, but this book was so much more than just a romance book. It was a lesson and an eye-opening story that, while is fictional, it based on real life situations.
This book is a really good book and I hope that whoever picks this book up, they really are opened to this whole new world of darkness, yes, but also hope, love, and faith.
This is probably the longest review I have written so far, but there is still so much more I want to say. It had felt like God was speaking to me in this book.
May 12, 2023
This book was such a good book. It tells an amazing story and it is a message that should be known by people. It is hard to believe that the cruelty that this book describes and tells of is happening here and now. I am a huge fan of for KING & COUNTRY, and love so much about them and their music. I haven’t yet seen the movie, but I hope to soon.
This book is about a widowed father of a young girl who is struggling to get by. He takes a shady job from a friend of his which ends up with him getting tangled in the middle of a sex trafficking group. The man, James, does whatever he can to save the two girls he at first didn’t know he was driving across country from the men that want to use them for their selfish, greedy, and sexual desires. He befriends a local man who helps him in his endeavor to find the two girls and rescue them and to stop the trafficking group.
This is an amazing book, even if you’ve seen the movie, it is still worth a read.
Praise for Joel and Luke Smallbone and their big hearts that care about woman that have been wronged in their life. And to the awesome music that they create.
This book is about a widowed father of a young girl who is struggling to get by. He takes a shady job from a friend of his which ends up with him getting tangled in the middle of a sex trafficking group. The man, James, does whatever he can to save the two girls he at first didn’t know he was driving across country from the men that want to use them for their selfish, greedy, and sexual desires. He befriends a local man who helps him in his endeavor to find the two girls and rescue them and to stop the trafficking group.
This is an amazing book, even if you’ve seen the movie, it is still worth a read.
Praise for Joel and Luke Smallbone and their big hearts that care about woman that have been wronged in their life. And to the awesome music that they create.
April 8, 2023
Love this book! I’m a huge fan of for KING & COUNTRY and so of course I had to watch the movie and read this book. I appreciate how the book dives into more detail, unlike the movie.
This story is about a man (James) who unknowingly drives a semi across to traffickers that contains two young women, Antonia and Maria. He realizes he needs to help and this novel explores the adventure of his quest to save them and the whole idea of human (sex) trafficking.
The message that everyone is priceless and had worth is a beautiful one in this novel. You do not have a price tag and you are made perfectly by God.
My age rating for this book would be around 15+ (depending on maturity).This is a difficult topic and could be hard for younger readers. It is a clean novel but there are implied scenes that are heartbreaking.
It’s so sad that people in the real world experience situations like these, but I’m thankful that Luke and Joel are helping bring awareness to a thing that needs to be stopped.
Y’all are priceless ☺️
This story is about a man (James) who unknowingly drives a semi across to traffickers that contains two young women, Antonia and Maria. He realizes he needs to help and this novel explores the adventure of his quest to save them and the whole idea of human (sex) trafficking.
The message that everyone is priceless and had worth is a beautiful one in this novel. You do not have a price tag and you are made perfectly by God.
My age rating for this book would be around 15+ (depending on maturity).This is a difficult topic and could be hard for younger readers. It is a clean novel but there are implied scenes that are heartbreaking.
It’s so sad that people in the real world experience situations like these, but I’m thankful that Luke and Joel are helping bring awareness to a thing that needs to be stopped.
Y’all are priceless ☺️
November 13, 2016
The topic of human trafficking has become more prominent both at my work and my church for the last couple of years. While this story is in the genre of Christian fiction, it doesn't completely shy away from some of the seedier aspects. Contained both psychologically and physically intensive scenes but was cleanly told despite the dark subject matter.
February 10, 2017
Loved this book. So sad how they were treated,but turned out great in the end! I was really excited to read this book because for KING & COUNTRY is my absolute favorite band!!! Hope to see the movie too! Great reminder that everyone is PRICELESS!
October 21, 2016
This was a hard subject to swallow but happens way more often than we will ever realize. Very well done.
Read
January 8, 2018Priceless was a beautiful story about a man fighting for a woman, not because he lusted after her, but because he knew she was PRICELESS.
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